Valentine's Day Lovin' - Get a Taproom!

Once again February has come around, and with it Valentine’s Day. And unfortunately, for some, this can cause a bit of distress. What should we do, where should we go to celebrate? Should we celebrate? What if I buy someone a gift and they don’t like it? What if my gift is totally inappropriate for what we have going on? Oh God, what do we have going on? Do we classify it, quantify it, or just have a little fun? Should I have gotten reservations? I can’t make reservations because everyone booked a table last year! How was I supposed to know I’d meet someone and actually have a dinner companion? I can’t predict that! I’m used to eating alone damn it! And what would we do after dinner? Oh God, if there’s an after. I’ve probably already blown it and won’t even be able to get a date for coffee! Slow down lover pants, and let me help you out for 2015. I did a little bit of research again this year and I’ve got a few suggestions for a great day or night out for you and a special friend (or friends, I don’t judge). It doesn’t involve reservations, messy foods, or rude overworked waiters. Take it easy, take some notes, and let me show you how you can impress your love with some local chocolates and a trip out to some great twin cities tap rooms.

If beer pairings aren’t new to you, you already know how well chocolates and beers can go together. If you are new to beer pairings, you probably think I’ve lost it. Yes, everyone knows that you can make a chocolate stout cake, and that’s great. But chocolate, like beer, comes in such great variety that you really should take a chance and explore pairing your sweets with your beers, especially chocolate. Play around with the flavors and in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, do some experimenting. Surprise yourselves a little and step outside your box. The worst that can happen is you find something you won’t want to try again. The best thing that could happen? You’ll enjoy something new with your partner. Besides, experimenting is fun, isn’t it?

If you’re looking for a taproom with a little more of a romantic feel, I suggest hitting up Steel Toe Brewing. You’ll find that their tap room can be pretty romantic! Its lighting is on the low side, perfect for setting a close and personal mood. I like to sit at the bar on the back wall, and with my back to the rest of the room, create my own privacy to enjoy my company.  On your way stop off at The Drooling Moose and grab some of their Malted Milk Boulders. The Drooling Moose makes their version of malted milk balls in super-sized form. These are huge, roughly the size of a quarter, and covered in ¼ inch of sweet milk chocolate. Order yourselves a couple pints of Steel Toe’s Dissent and enjoy how the malty sweetness of the beer melts the malted center of the chocolates in your mouth. The milk chocolate in turn enhances the smooth, creamy mouth feel you’ll get from the beer. If there’s a downside to these chocolates it’s only that they’ll ruin whoppers for you forever. If you really enjoy yourselves, make sure to grab some growlers to go, and continue your party in an even more intimate setting.

I next headed over to Big Wood Brewery for a glass of the tried and true Morning Wood Coffee Stout. This stout has an incredible kick of coffee flavor with sweet chocolaty notes. My pick for a great compliment chocolate is one of my favorites, milk chocolate toffee. I stopped off in Arden Hills at a place new to me, Sweet Chocolat. You will absolutely love how their toffee breaks apart into crunchy, buttery chunks in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with the Morning Wood, the other enhancing the best parts of its companion. Isn’t that what is perfect about so many great relationships throughout time? We should all be so lucky to fine someone who bring out the best in us, yet still showcases just how awesome they are in their own right. The tap room at Big Wood works great for new and more established couples as well. There’s plenty of intimate seating off the sides of the room if you’re looking to spend some quieter time together. Not sure if you can handle that level of closeness? Enjoy your treats at the larger tables in the middle of the room, or at the centralized bar area. And if toffee isn’t your bag, check out the incredible selection of molded chocolate shapes Sweet Chocolat has to offer. Their Valentine’s Day selection blew me away, with everything from traditional hearts to anatomically correct hearts. One of my favorite offerings was the anatomical lungs packaged with the following – ‘You take my breath away’. How can you not love that sense of loving humor? Or for the more adventurous, try the chocolate hand cuffs on for size. See how much fun you can have with your Morning Wood and chocolate this Valentine’s Day.

But what if you’re feeling really adventurous? Then I suggest you and your date go get ‘funked up’ at Bent Brewstillery. Bent is quickly making a name for themselves with their funked up series of sour beers, each a little different, each an incredible way to try a new beer profile that you might not be familiar with. I myself love sour beers and I’m always curious to see what Bent has been up to with this series. Right now they have their Belgian Berlin Ur-Bock on tap and I highly recommend it. This is a beer reminiscent of a Berliner Weisse so if you like a slightly more wine like beer, give it a try. You might think that finding a chocolate pairing for this would be hard, but if you’ve had this style beer before you’ll know that it pairs quite well with fruity flavors. I actually found a great one for you to try at the nearby Roseville Mall in the Godiva store. Pick yourselves up a tin (or bag) of their Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles and prepare to have your mind blown away. The strawberry will help to pull the fruitiness out of the beer while the cheesecake layer tempers it with a slightly creaminess to counteract the sour in just the slightest way. Yes darling, opposites can and do attract and will make for some of the best experiences of your life. You’ll have a blast in their gorgeous tap room with plenty of seating to hide away in a corner. Or make sure to head over on a night when they have a local band playing and do some dancing! Their knowledgeable and friendly beertenders will make sure you have everything you need so you can concentrate on making sure your date has everything they need. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Also, they will be releasing a new beer on Valentine's Day at the taproom. Uber Lupin Shwarz IPA. You could experience something brand new with your date!

So when you’re making plans for Valentine’s Day remember to think outside the standard chocolate boxes and wine that every store is offering. Hit up your local tap rooms and chocolate shops for some new and fun ideas to show your date. Experiment a little bit and try some new things this year. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be stressful, especially when you have so many great options to choose from! Your date with love it, and if you’re lucky and buy enough chocolate they’ll probably love you before the night is over. Send them home with their own growler, you just might get a proposal out of the deal.


www.steeltoebrewing.com
www.droolinmoose.com
www.bigwoodbrewery.com
www.mysweetchocolat.com
www.bentbrewstillery.com
www.godiva.com

Insight Brewing Company is open for business!

On Friday, November 21st, Insight Brewing Company officially opened its doors to the masses of avid craft beer drinkers.  They served up their beers and welcomed people to a new great place in the twin cities to enjoy a pint and a laugh.  It is hard to believe that this is the same place where only seven weeks ago, they were pouring samples out of one serving cooler in the back and serving beers on a rough wooden bar.  Amazing is the only way to truly describe what they have turned this space into.

From the unique light fixtures to the artwork on the walls, this taproom has a remarkably cozy feel for being as big as it is.  The bow-shaped bar gives patrons a nice place to belly up and enjoy their drinks and conversations.  The light fixtures have character and have a nice, warm softness to them as opposed to a more sterile fluorescent brightness.  There are a nice mix of high-top and traditional tables depending on what one prefers.  Many people really were impressed with the Insight sign on the red brick wall that separates the taproom from the brewery.  It is a very nice artistic feature that adds a special feel to the taproom.

For the grand opening, despite the fact that there was a huge crowd, people had enough space to feel comfortable and move around.  They had overflow space in the brewery where they set up leather couches for people to sit and watch the owners serving beer from firkins while they mingled with guests.  Several people in our group really appreciated the fact that the taproom did not feel tight.  There are several taprooms in the area that can feel somewhat claustrophobic when they are at capacity and Insight will not have to worry about that.  The high ceilings and different places for groups to congregate make it a very pleasant spatial experience.

The people who decided to join the Insight Passport Club saw the benefits of that decision paying off right away.  The separate line for Passport Club members alleviates a glut of people just standing at the bar and keeps lines moving smoothly.  

The five beers they had on tap included the Chiswick Porter, Curiosity IPA, Saison De Blanc and their flagship, the Lamb and Flag, an English Premium Bitter.  They also have a taproom exclusive Yuzu Pale Ale.  The beers embody the global feel of the brewery and will keep people coming back for more.  The roasted malt character of the Chiswick Porter, the sessionable nature of the Lamb and Flag and the refreshing cleanness of the Yuzu Pale Ale made me really happy that I decided to join the Passport Club.  I will no doubt be drinking more of these two favorites as well to the other beers they have.

It was an incredibly welcoming sensation to have all four of the co-owners out and about throughout the night.  They were shaking hands and chatting about their beer.  They are all affable and approachable individuals and that is something that goes a long way with the customers.  I approached Eric Schmidt and he recognized me from the open house and greeted me with a warm smile and a hearty handshake.  The energy radiating off of him as he reveled in this great evening was inspiring.  I also got a chance to speak briefly with Ilan Klages-Mundt and his passion for beer knows no limits.  He is very passionate about applying the beer knowledge he learned in his travels to crafting unique and thought-provoking beers.  As I continue to frequent the taproom, I hope to meet the other owners and hear their stories and inspirations about craft beer.  One thing is certain, they are all committed to making each person who walks into their space welcome and valued.

They will be open during the week starting Wednesday all the way through the weekend, including Sundays.  They will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.  So, get down to Insight Brewing Company and give their taproom a try.  Their globally inspired beer combined with their warm hospitality and ambiance make it a must try!

Craft Beers to Enjoy on Halloween

When I was a young buck, my favorite holiday, by far, was Halloween.  I remember one particular year, when I was 8, I began making Halloween decorations in July.  Yes, you read that right; when other kids were out riding their bikes, skinning their knees and playing kickball, I was busy cutting construction paper into bats, Jack-O-lanterns and ghosts.  Wearing paper cuts as badges of courage, I turned my bedroom into an arts and crafts display that would have given Martha Stewart DTs.  As Halloween got closer, my anticipation worked itself into a rabid fervor, and by the time October rolled around and by October 31st, I was a full-on spazz.

As an adult, my enthusiasm for this spooky holiday has not waned.  Through therapy and the necessity of paying the mortgage, I no longer am making Halloween decorations in July, however, I have found a grown-up way to embrace my child-like love for All Hallows Eve: Halloween appropriate beers!  Obviously, there is no defined category of Halloween beers, but with cool artwork on the bottles and creative names, many of these beers jump out at me as I am walking through the aisle of my local craft beer store.  What I have come to discover over the years is that these beers are not only visually appealing, but also incredibly delicious and unique.

So, here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite craft beers that scream Halloween.

1.  Great Lakes Brewing Company Nosferatu.  I mentioned earlier being obsessed with Halloween, but what I didn't mention was the for 6 out of the 9 years I went trick or treating, I went dressed as a rubber chicken-toting vampire.  A unique take on Count Dracula, for sure.  This beer also has a unique connection to vampire lore.  The label art and name of this beer is an homage to the 1922 vampire movie.  This beer is a remarkably balanced Imperial Red Ale that you will be sure to want to sink your teeth into.

2.  New Holland Ichabod.  This beer is named for the unlikely hero, Ichabod Crane, from Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  The label has an awesome depiction of the Headless Horseman riding a horse, getting ready to terrorize your thirst.  This pumpkin ale is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and is very drinkable at 5.2%.  At that reasonable ABV, it is the perfect beer to drink while you spend Friday evening handing out candy.  Better yet, if you play the drinking game that necessitates you taking a drink every time you see someone dressed as Elsa from Disney's Frozen, you will still be able to function the next day

3.  Surly Pentagram.  I believe it was Adam Sandler's 1996 comedy album, What The Hell Happened To Me? track about joining the cult that said, "The night time is the right time."  This beer begs to be consumed on a ghoulish evening filled with goblins and ghosts.  This sour beer that is brewed right here in MN has awesomely demonic bottle art and is topped with wax.  The flavors are complex and funky and the ABV is 6.66% which is apropos for this dark and magical sour beer.

4.  Southern Tier Warlock.  You don't have to have a collection of 20-sided dice and a dingy basement to enjoy this deliciously arcane ale.  This beer has only been on the market for two years, but is already considered by many to be in a class by itself.  Warlock is a stout brewed with pumpkin spices.  I first consumed this beer while giving out Halloween candy last year and was also mixing and matching candy pairings.  It didn't take long before I was under the Warlock's spell.  Available in 22 oz. bombers, this limited offering is sought after by many, so if you see it, grab it.

This list is just the tip of the tombstone, but you get the idea.  I don't go trick or treating anymore and I retired the rubber chicken.  However, I still am giddy when I start to see these beers on the shelves in the liquor stores, or on tap at my favorite haunts around town.  I would love to hear which Halloween selections put a scare in your snifter, so feel free to list your favorites in the comments section below.  Cheers!

How to Talk Like a Beer Geek; Beer in Your Beer Hole!

Today we are going to talk about a few terms that have to do with your beer hole! The best thing about beer, plain and simple, is putting it in your mouth. But once that beery goodness is in there, a lot goes on. So let’s talk about a few things going on up in there!

The first term is mouthfeel. This word is basically the way the beer feels when it is all up in your beer hole. Is it sparkly feeling from lots of carbonation, creamy feeling from being a nitro beer, or maybe a bit of an oily coating feel from an abundance of hop oils? A lot of things can contribute to this including sugars, hops, proteins, adjuncts, carbonation method and amount, the list goes on and on.

The next term is surprisingly not the end of your mouth’s drinking experience:  The finish! The finish is how the beer tastes and makes your mouth feel right after you swallow that big gulp of deliciousness. Does it have a malty finish, a hoppy finish, a dry finish...? The big finish has a big effect on your mouth’s beer happiness level.

The final mouth piece of drinking your beer is the aftertaste. Many people would say this is the same as the finish, and I guess this is partly correct, but partly not. Aftertaste is more the lingering tastes that stick around for a while after you are done with your beer or are done with a gulp of it. The main reason why I disagree with those who say that finish and aftertaste are the same thing is that every beer has a finish, but not every beer has an aftertaste to it.

So there you go, aspiring beer geeks! Three beer terms that help make your beer hole happy; mouthfeel, finish, and aftertaste... Just to make sure you have these three terms covered I think it’s time for you to go put some beer in your mouth!

Gull Dam, what a great time!

On Saturday, October 11th, a new era for craft beer began in Nisswa, MN.  The weather was perfectly crisp and the sun was shining bright in the northern Minnesota sky.  Outside of Gull Dam Brewing Inc., the waterwheel stood still as the slight breeze whispered through the air and the sun radiated off of the water in the pond.  That serene image was the first thing I saw as I pulled up to the brewery.  I remember thinking that this scenic perfection is probably why people come up here.  How ironic, that just feet from this image of solace and serenity, a polka band was kicking out wonderful music and the taps were opening for the first time at Gull Dam, keeping patrons smiling after each sip of wonderful beer.

Barb and Mark Anderson were all smiles as they greeted the steady stream of thirsty and enthusiastic craft beer fans entering the big tent out back of their newly opened brewery.  As folks bellied up to the bar to partake in the selections that included a Honey Wheat Ale, a Scotch Ale, Amber Ale and Abita Root Beer, the energy in the taproom grew.  At 1:00 pm, the The Jolly Zuk Brothers kicked up the polka music with "In Heaven There Is No Beer."  Like clockwork, a couple sitting at a big table in the tent got up to kick up their heels with an array of polka steps that would have made Deney Terrio change careers.   Just like that, we were all aboard the party train to Funville, USA.

Inside the taproom, Jr's No. 19 BBQ was serving up some amazing ribs and brisket.  Their great recipe for slow roasting the meat paired with their signature sauces made it a great accompaniment to the Scotch Ale that I ordered.  I had a hunch the flavor of toasted malt in the beer might play nicely with the ribs and brisket.  Well, I don't want to say that I transcended to a different plane of existence, but I did speak in tongues for about 3 minutes.  The BBQ went brilliantly with the Scotch Ale and as I wiped the sauce from my face and tears of joy from my eyes, I thought that this is what it is all about.  If the food wasn't enough, Gull Dam Brewing Inc. has a great selection of merchandise.  From beer cozies to sweatshirts, there is something for every season to keep you equipped to enjoy the outdoors while representing Gull Dam Brewing Inc.

Looking around the brewery I saw so many people talking beer and having a good time.  There was a time, not too long ago, that all one could find to drink up in these parts was domestic mainstream beer.  The energy and fervor that was on display centered around the opening of a new craft brewery made me happy for the people of Nisswa and the surrounding area.  For Barb and Mark Anderson, this vision has been years in the making.  According to Gull Dam's Facebook page, there were nearly 4,000 people who attended this event.  Lining up live music like the Jolly Zuk Brothers and The Lamont Cranston Blues Band is a good way to get people in the door, but in order to keep them coming back, a brewery
need to have something special in the kegs.

The architect behind crafting these delicious and zymurgically deft beers is Luke Steadman, perhaps better known as "Brew Man Luke."  Luke is 26 years old and the head brewmaster of Gull Dam Brewing Inc.  What were you doing when you were 26 years old?  I can only speak for myself when I say I wasn't that good at anything at age 26.  Luke understands that beer isn't just something you drink; it is an art form.  Luke's passion for beer is evident in chatting with him about what he likes to brew, the way he brews and the ingredients that he uses to brew.  Luke does not use typical ingredients and always wants to find the new thing to make his beers better.  One of Luke's greatest assets is his effervescent personality.  When I told him that his Scotch Ale was one of the best representations of that style I have ever tasted, his smile lit up the room.  He cares immensely about the quality of the beer they serve at Gull Dam.  I got to smell some of the Empire hops from Michigan that he uses in his beer.  He seeks out ingredients that are not yet mainstream and uses them to make his beers stand out from the crowd.  With about 8 million things to do on this day, he chatted with me and was even kind enough to show me around the place.  This is not just the way he believes that people should be treated, it is also a culture at this place.  They want people to feel comfortable coming in for a pint of beer and having a Gull Dam good time doing it.

So, next time you are headed due north to go slay your limit of Walleyes on Gull Lake, make it a point to add in some time to stop in at Gull Dam Brewing Inc.   Everyone on staff at Gull Dam will greet you with a warm smile and a beer to quench your thirst and amaze your palate.  If the grand opening was any indication, this place will be the gathering place for a lot of happy beer drinkers for years to come.

The Pint Report: Big Wood Brewery's Wicked Ex IPA

We've all been through a tumultuous relationship at some point in our lives; one that seems like a great idea, full of some fun times, but ultimately leaves you feeling as though you are missing something, bored, or just feeling downtrodden.  For seasoned beer geeks, this describes their relationship with IPAs. Oh, they were that beer that got you started down this dark path of beer nerdery, but now you can't stand the site of them after either discovering more unique styles or having so many of them, the mere smell of one makes you cringe in horror.

But sometimes, beers like Wicked Ex from Big Wood Brewery out of White Bear Lake, MN make you remember why you fell in love with this rather popular style in the first place.  In the right kind of glass and the right temperature to show off its figure and taste, Wicked Ex rushes back all those early memories of you falling in love with IPAs and makes you forget, even for just a moment, whatever fancy style it is you are consuming/brewing now.

This brew has just enough of a bite to it that tickles the taste buds, but not too much that it repulses away the adventurous spirit.  That small hint of bitterness comes from the blend of Ahtanum hops, mixed with Cluster hops and a special blend from Northern Brewer.  The Anthanum hops give this brew that familiar citris and pine aroma and flavor that excite both the tongue and nostrils.

Oh, you may have found yourself steering away from beers of this variety, given your time and experiences with every other IPA that you've found nowadays, but the Wicked Ex is a Siren of this style.  It lures you in with an initial sweet flavor, then slams you up against the wall with that fresh bitter hop that will linger just long enough so that you don't forget it, but not too long so that you can't enjoy that burger and fries later on.

For beer purists, Wicked Ex tends to point in the direction of being a West Coast IPA, similar to other local Minnesota brewers who brag a similar style.  While this beer doesn't outright advertise itself as such, the fact the main hops hail from the Pacific NorthWest, coupled with the strong hoppy aroma of this brew, would suggest that is the style the brewer was going for.

Calm yourselves everyone, I'm married

It's ok to say you still love hoppy beers. It's even more ok to say that Wicked Ex IPA from Big Wood Brewery is one of those subtly unique beers that makes you think of those early days. Boasting an 80 IBU, the hoppiest of beers from the suburban brewery, this beer packs a nice little love bite that will keep you coming back for more.  Try not to daydream too much about this foxy beer; sure you may have moved beyond this type, but you still gave it your heart at one point in your life for a reason.

Brewing Goes Mobile: Fiz - The Brewery Management Game

Perhaps a couple of you knew me from before my time at Beerploma, when I was an aspiring video game reviewer and journalist. In the 6-7 years I spent writing about games, ranging from AAA titles on the console, to mobile indie titles so obscure, I don't even remember the titles, I came across a lot of unique stuff. But nothing quite as unique as the game Fiz: The Brewery Management Game. I actually reviewed for the last site I worked for, but wanted to revisit this title again, to expose it to my new beer drinking audience. You can read that review here.

Fiz, as the subtitle of the name suggests, is a brewery simulation game. While this may conjure images of some big complex game, it is actually a pretty simplistic and entertaining experience which works perfectly with mobile devices.  This seemingly simple concept, managing a brewery, actually is chock full of challenges and lots of different twists and turns.

While you probably won't become the next Surly or Boom Island Brewery, there is a lot of elements used in this game that any beer nerd, especially those versed in the art of crafting beer, will be able to appreciate.  Ingredients used in the making of the various brews are mostly real world ingredients; there are some fictional elements added in, but mostly for stat boosting or to improve the batch of beer.  The beer styles featured in this game will be familiar to all beer geeks, and does feature a great selection of styles. From Dunkles to IPAs, Irish Red Ales to Barleywines, Fiz offers so many choices to brew.

Another interesting thing this game does is put a focus on not only what you brew, but where you sell your tasty products.  Some bars cater to more German styles for example, while others are pretty sold on IPAs.  Some places even prefer your adjunct lagers to anything else.  Adding this in, gives this game a challenge, rather than just having players brew beers all willy nilly.

If you're looking for a mobile game that won't nickle and dime you every 10 seconds (Candy Crush anyone?) and still keeps you entertained and wanting to come back for more, consider grabbing Fiz today.  This was one of my favorite mobile games I've ever played, and I've even gotten a couple of the other staff here at Beerploma hooked on it well.

Get Fiz on Google Play for Android

Get Fiz on the iTunes App Store for Apple 

Brews and Reviews: Lucid Brewery's ORA

It's fall, which means it's time for Pumpkin in just about any beer that isn't labeled as a Oktoberfest. However, that doesn't mean that those are the only types of beer that exist in the "good" section of the beer aisle.  There's also the sometimes-ignored, but quite plentiful Amber Ale.

ORA, a fall seasonal variety from Lucid Brewery, found my lips after a recent stop to JL Beers in NE Minneapolis.  The beer was a nice darkish red brew that went perfect with my burger and fries, but would've been even better suited for a Minnesota fall night with friends.  It's a great beer that tastes of fall, and feels of hearty warmth.  In other words, it is the Midwest in a glass.

People drinking this will notice it goes down quite smooth.  Some other reviews have even compared the drinkability of ORA to that of a soda, which I can to a point agree with.  It tastes a bit on the sweet side, but smooth enough to not be over powering to the casual beer drinker.  Consumers will find hints of caramel, cherry, herbs and smoky flavor; tastes perfect for the fall days to come. There's even a Pumpkin flavored variety, though the pint I had wasn't christened with the aroma found in Lattes or store-made cookies.

God my webcam sucks.

ORA is not a particularly potent beer; a 6.5% ABV with a 30 IBU.  It was still surprising to me that JL Beers listed it in the "Lighter" beers section of their beer menu.  It definitely drinks on the lighter side, though when taking into account mouth feel and appearance, hardly seemed comparable to a Coors Light or Surly Hell, which were also in the same section.

This particular brew has probably one of the smoothest feels I've ever had with an Amber Ale. It goes down like a lighter beer would, but still boasts a flavorful taste.  ORA does lack a bit on the carbonation, however.  As you can see from the picture above, the head on this brew doesn't stick around for long. After getting through much of the drink, it begins to lose its carbonation altogether.  Nursing this beer may lead to an entirely different taste altogether.

It's easy to write off ORA as just another un-impressive Amber Ale. But it's almost silky smooth mouth feel coupled with just enough smoky flavor gives this beer enough individuality, that ignoring it for at least a pint would be a sin. If your empty hand needs a nice cold brew to accompany you by that fall bonfire, Lucid's ORA would be a great choice. You can save the Pumpkin flavoring for that Thanksgiving pie.

Brews and Reviews: Bent Brewstillery's El Guerrero

This area is traditionally known for its abundance of lakes, summers that go by way to quickly and larger-than-life icons like Paul Bunyan and Snoopy.  However, lately there is something else happening and it is threatening to change what people typically associate with Minnesota.  Breweries are opening right and left, and with that boom, we are deluged with some delicious and unique imbibing options.  

Photo courtesy of bentbrewstillery.com

Bent Brewstillery’s selection of unique and complex beers are amazing additions to a landscape of libations that is growing both in breadth and depth.  Their fall seasonal, El Guerrero, a Chilean Double Stout, is out and definitely worth a try.  This special beer is brewed with honey, guava and merken, a Chilean pepper spice that has been used in gourmet cuisine for hundreds of years.  In the taproom, it is served on Nitro and it is also available in 750 ML bottles.  

This beer has a lot going on starting with the opaque color.  El Guerrero pours thick and the cascades culminate in a thick and creamy quarter-inch head that is light caramel in color.  The aroma of the beer is rich and chocolaty with subtle hints of coffee, merken spice and boozy goodness.  

While the look and smell of this beer are intriguing, it is the taste where this beer climbs into a class of its own.  At first, you are greeted with the roasted malt and coffee notes which leads nicely into an alcohol flavor that smooths into a rich chocolaty finish.  The thing that really balances this beer out and makes it something special is the gradual building heat from the merken spice.  It pleasantly builds at the back of the tongue and is never to the point of overtaking all the other flavor subtleties that are happening in El Guerrero.   The sweet notes from the chocolate and honey are balanced deftly with the Merken spice, roasted malt and coffee.  As it warms, the flavors and spice of the beer are all elevated and it leaves the drinker to do nothing but wonder how a single beer could have so many things happening.

El Guerrero’s mouth feel is velvety at first and finishes slightly dry from the heat of the pepper.  The dryness from the heat and the smoothness from the booze make this also a key factor in the beer’s overall balance.  If you enjoy a big body to your stout, this beer does not disappoint.

This beer is versatile and could be paired with the bold flavors of smoked meats such as brisket or ribs.  It would also marry well with a very good steak or blackened chicken.  If you wanted to pair it with a dessert, think ice cream or a decadent chocolate dessert like a cake or high-end dark chocolate.  

Bent Brewstillery prides itself on being unique and this beer is a terrific representation of that vision.  There is nothing quite like El Guerrero in this market and it is a welcome addition to the ever-growing portfolio of wonderful beers that Minnesota’s craft brewers have to offer.